Executive Chef
Be part of something greater.
- Job reference: SDX/TP/1022707/160794
- Location: Edinburgh
- Job type: Full Time - 40 hours per week
- Salary: £45,000 per annum
- Closing date: 17 September 2026
About the role
- 40 hours per week
- Monday to Friday
- £45,000 per annum
Are you an inspirational culinary leader with a passion for exceptional food and outstanding service? Sodexo is looking for an experienced Executive Chef to lead our culinary operation in the heart of Edinburgh.
In this senior role, you’ll take overall responsibility for the kitchen operation, driving menu development, food quality, culinary standards and team performance. You’ll lead and inspire the kitchen team, manage budgets and stock, and ensure the highest standards of food safety and compliance are maintained.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented chef to make their mark in a dynamic environment, combining creativity and leadership to deliver an exceptional catering experience across all areas of the business.
If you’re ready to bring your culinary expertise and leadership skills to Sodexo, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll do:
- Lead and develop an innovative, customer-focused food offer, including menu development, food quality, presentation, healthy eating and emerging food trends.
- Drive commercial performance by growing sales and patronage, managing budgets, margins, stock and wastage while delivering excellent value and choice.
- Ensure consistently high standards across all food operations, including meal services and functions, while meeting customer, client and Sodexo expectations.
- Maintain full compliance with food safety, Health & Safety, audits, KPIs, risk assessments, documentation and Service Level Agreements.
- Lead, motivate and develop the culinary team through recruitment, training, coaching, performance management and effective people engagement.
- Build strong relationships with customers, clients, suppliers and stakeholders, while driving marketing, social impact, local sourcing and continuous improvement initiatives.
What you bring:
- Proven experience developing innovative food offers that meet client and customer needs.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to lead by example, work under pressure, use initiative and deliver consistently high standards.
- Self-motivated, flexible and committed to continuous learning and development.
- CIEH Level 3 Food Safety and IOSH Managing Safely qualifications.
- Experience managing budgets, with good financial and commercial awareness.
- Experience delivering training, coaching and developing team members.
- Good computer literacy and confidence using relevant systems.
What we offer:
Working with Sodexo is more than a job — it's an opportunity to use your skills in a role that has a genuine purpose. You'll be part of a supportive team where your contribution is valued, while enjoying the benefits and support of a large organisation. Alongside this, you'll enjoy:
- Mental health & wellbeing support
- Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
- 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
- Discounts for you & your family
- Financial wellbeing tools & retirement plan
- Cycle to Work scheme & Paid Volunteering Day
If you’re ready to bring your culinary expertise and leadership skills to Sodexo, we’d love to hear from you!
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KEY BENEFITS
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Advice and guidance
Get help with legal, financial, personal or work issues whenever you need it. -
Pension Plan
Save effectively for your future when you join the Sodexo Pension Plan. -
Wellbeing support
Unlimited access to online support for your mental health, 24/7. -
Generous leave
For holidays, care needs or major life events, we’ll help you rest and recharge. -
Discounts and savings
Enjoy great deals from leading retailers and use our Bike to Work scheme -
Virtual GP
24-hour access to video or phone consultations for you and your family.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At our company, we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Roles at Sodexo are designed to empower individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values equity and supports the growth of all employees, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from our collective success.
Social Impact
Ever since we started, we’ve had a clear purpose – to do some good in our communities through helping people. Today, that purpose is still a huge part of who we are. And every one of our colleagues helps that happen.
We’re committed to volunteering our time, resources, skills and knowledge – more than 50% of colleagues contribute to thousands of volunteer hours every year. And our Charitable Foundation has now donated over £9 million to charities and good causes across the country.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Join us at Sodexo and explore the exciting career opportunities we offer! Whether you're interested in hospitality, facilities management, or food services, we invite you to set up a profile and become part of our vibrant team.